The tourism sector has received a significant push with an allocation of ₹2,026.06 crore in the latest budget. A key highlight of this investment is the ₹400 crore earmarked for the Chief Minister’s Tourism Sites Development Scheme, which focuses on enhancing accessibility and upgrading facilities at various tourist destinations. This initiative is set to elevate the travel experience for both domestic and international visitors, further strengthening the state’s position as a premier tourism hub.
The Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled an ambitious budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, prioritizing tourism sector growth through substantial investments in infrastructure and facilities. The budget allocates a total of ₹2,026.06 crore for tourism, reflecting the state’s commitment to enhancing travel experiences for both domestic and international visitors.
The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, presented its ninth budget for the financial year 2025-26 in the state assembly on February 20. Finance Minister Suresh Khanna unveiled a ₹8,08,736.06 crore budget, reflecting a 9.8% increase from the previous year.
Consistent with the Yogi government’s focus on infrastructure, education, health, social security, and economic growth, this budget allocates significant funds across key sectors. Notably, major investments in infrastructure and transportation will provide a substantial boost to the tourism sector, enhancing connectivity and accessibility. The budget’s strategic approach is expected to have a multifaceted impact on tourism, further solidifying Uttar Pradesh’s position as a leading travel destination.
A key initiative under this budget is the Chief Minister’s Tourism Sites Development Scheme, which has been granted ₹400 crore. This scheme aims to improve accessibility, infrastructure, and visitor amenities at major tourist destinations across the state.
Strengthening Religious Tourism
Uttar Pradesh continues to position itself as a leading religious tourism hub with significant investments in pilgrimage sites:
- Ayodhya Region: ₹150 crore allocated for tourism infrastructure development, following the increased visitor influx after the grand opening of the Ram Temple in January 2024.
- Mathura: ₹125 crore set aside to enhance the appeal of this significant destination associated with Lord Krishna.
- Naimisharanya (Sitapur district): ₹100 crore allocated to boost its status as a prominent pilgrimage center.
- Chitrakoot: ₹50 crore earmarked for infrastructure improvements to cater to increasing footfall.
- Ayodhya Deepotsav: ₹13 crore dedicated to the grand festival that attracts millions of devotees annually.
To further improve tourist convenience, ₹100 crore has been allocated for the development of roadside amenities along major state and national highways. These facilities will include rest areas, food stalls, and essential services, ensuring comfortable travel experiences for visitors.
Cultural and Skill Development Initiatives
Several other allocations aim to promote cultural tourism and skill enhancement:
- Aligarh Food and Craft Institute: ₹2.9 crore for the establishment of this institution to support culinary and handicraft tourism.
- Buddhist Conclave (Varanasi): ₹5.60 crore to promote Buddhist heritage tourism.
- Ramayan Conclave: ₹4 crore allocated for the event celebrating Lord Ram’s legacy.
- Tourism Service Training: ₹1 crore dedicated to training service providers to enhance visitor experiences.
- Maghar Mahotsav: ₹55 lakh for organizing this cultural event.
- Wajid Ali Shah Mahotsav: ₹45 lakh for the annual festival.
- Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board: ₹2.55 crore allocated to support sustainable tourism projects.
Wider Economic and Infrastructure Growth
Uttar Pradesh’s total budget for 2025-26 stands at ₹8.09 lakh crore, marking a 9.8% increase from the previous year. This budget prioritizes infrastructure, technological advancements, education, urban development, and social welfare.
Key infrastructure investments include:
- ₹900 crore for constructing four new expressways, aimed at improving connectivity and boosting economic activity.
- ₹300 crore for transforming primary schools into smart schools, ensuring digital access and modernized learning.
- ₹100 crore for land acquisition to support tourism initiatives.
- ₹50 crore for the development of the Mathura-Vrindavan corridor of Shri Banke Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple.
- ₹100 crore for large-scale construction and land purchases at prominent Mirzapur temples, including Maa Vindhyavasini Temple, Maa Ashtabhuja Temple, and Maa Kali Khoh Temple.
- ₹30 crore for restoring and rebuilding protected temples across the state to preserve its religious heritage.
- ₹100 crore for establishing the Ved Vigyan Kendra in Naimisharanya, dedicated to advancing Vedic knowledge and studies.
Tourism Growth and Future Outlook
In 2024, Uttar Pradesh recorded an astounding 65 crore visitors, including 1.4 million foreign tourists. According to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Maha Kumbh Mela (January 13 – February 26, 2025) has already attracted more than 60 crore visitors, and in the coming months, UP Tourism is expected to witness an unprecedented surge in pilgrimage tourism, further strengthening the state’s position as a leading religious and cultural tourism destination.
Additionally, the Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated ₹2,541.06 crore (US$ 291.07 million) for India’s tourism sector, focusing on infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and improved travel facilitation. With these strategic investments, Uttar Pradesh is poised to become a global religious tourism hub, drawing millions of devotees and travelers from around the world in the years to come.
Highlighting tourism as a key driver in Uttar Pradesh’s journey toward a one trillion-dollar economy, Cabinet Minister for Tourism and Culture Jaiveer Singh emphasized the significance of Ayodhya Deepotsava 2024 and Maha Kumbh 2025 in elevating the state’s tourism profile.
“Both events attract immense national and global attention, and we are committed to showcasing Uttar Pradesh at its best,” he stated after reviewing progress at Paryatan Bhavan.
With these ambitious initiatives, Uttar Pradesh is set to establish itself as a premier religious tourism destination, drawing millions of devotees and travelers from across the world in the years ahead.
According to the latest statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Uttar Pradesh ranked number one in domestic tourist arrivals, welcoming 478.53 million visitors in 2023. It was followed by the three South Indian states—Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
In terms of foreign tourist arrivals, Uttar Pradesh attracted 1.60 million international visitors in 2023, securing the 6th position. However, UP Tourism is expecting to climb to the top ranks in both domestic and foreign tourist arrivals in 2024 and 2025, driven by the unprecedented influx of visitors during the recently concluded Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj.
According to Mr. Mukesh Kumar Meshram, IAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, “We are on the right track with well-planned strategies to attract more tourists to our destinations. Our goal is to achieve the top position in both domestic and international tourist arrivals while significantly boosting revenue generation. We have already outlined various initiatives to achieve our target of a $1 trillion economy, with tourism serving as a key growth engine.”
